Three prominent Tasmanian leaders have been unveiled as the inaugural ambassadors for the Mind Games, a workplace mental health initiative set to hold its major fundraising event on November 6.
Independent Franklin MP David O’Byrne, University of Tasmania Pro Vice-Chancellor Amanda Castray and Hospitality Tasmania CEO Steve Old will spearhead efforts to break down mental health stigma in workplaces across the state.
“We know lasting change starts at the top,” says Sherri Ring, Creator and Chief Fun Officer of The Mind Games.
“We’re thrilled to have David, Amanda and Steve taking on this role. They are people who’ve walked the walk.”
Old, who secured Tasmania’s first government funding for preventative mental health issues, said the hospitality industry faced particular challenges with long hours and tough working conditions.
“Mental health’s probably one of the biggest issues for our industry going forward,” Old said.
“If leaders like myself, David, and Amanda can put ourselves out there and make ourselves a bit vulnerable and talk about things we’re not necessarily experts in but we’re happy to put ourselves out there and say that it’s a big issue, then that’s what we’re prepared to do.”
O’Byrne, who has supported the Mind Games since its 2019 inception, said the role of the workplace is crucial in mental health conversations.
“Workplaces are a big part of people’s identity and what happens in the workplace echoes through not only our community but our families,” O’Byrne said.
“It’s crucially important that all employers and all workplaces fully appreciate that everyone comes to work maybe not in their best way.”
The Mind Games event combines fundraising activities with workplace mental health awareness, attracting 200-300 participants annually.
O’Byrne described the growing movement as bringing mental health “out of the shadows” by demonstrating that discussing mental health challenges doesn’t define people.
Old highlighted his organisation’s hospitality health programme, which visits venues to discuss diet, exercise and mental health with staff, encouraging employees to become “comfortable in the uncomfortable” when addressing these issues.
The November event will feature various team-building exercises and networking opportunities designed to normalise mental health conversations while raising funds for research and preventative programmes.
